Birthdate: April 8, 1940
Birthplace: Martins Ferry, Ohio
High School: Bridgeport High School (1959)
College: The Ohio State University (1962)
Died: April 25, 2019
Year Inducted: Charter Class of 2006
John Havilcek was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on April 30, 1984 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Despite fame, Hondo has always been described as a modest and soft spoken man. He is regarded as the best sixth man in NBA history. He was an All-State player in high school for Bridgeport (1958). At Ohio State University he was All-American and All Big Ten in 1962. OSU was National Champions in 1960. Havlicek was on the team that went 27-1 in 1961 and lost in the Finals of the NCAA in overtime. The 1962 (26-2) team also went to the finals. Those OSU teams are considered the best in OSU history. Hondo was captain of the 1962 team and also Co-MVP.
As a professional he had an amazing career, drafted by the Celtics and the Cleveland Browns. He chose the Celtics. His time with the Celtics spanned 1962-1978. The Celtics won eight NBA championships with Havlicek. The first four came in his first four years with the Celtics. His versatility, offensive skills and crafty play largely contributed to those championships. He was a 13 time NBA All-Star. When he retired, his jersey was immediately retired (1978). Hondo was the NBA Final’s MVP in 1974.
